Serena Williams finding her chemistry with Fernandez

Audio interview

By

Sandra Harwitt

KHARKIV, UKRAINE: Serena Williams was pleased with her first victory of the weekend against 17-year-old Elina Svitolina in the USA's Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group play-off against Ukraine. She was particularly happy that she appears to be finding some good chemistry with her captain, Mary Joe Fernandez, as they reunite in Ukraine after a first tie together at home in the World Group II first round against Belarus.

It is fair to say that Lesia Tsurenko was not pleased with her performance against Christina McHale in the first rubber of the tie. Although Tsurenko came back from an early deficit to level the match at a set apeice she says that she never felt as though she played anywhere near her best tennis as she eventually succombed the American 61 46 63.

The Ukrainian No.1 did vow to come out fighting tomorrow when she plays against Serena Williams, a match in which she will be a clear underdog.

McHale, meanwhile, was pleased with her victory and proud to have put USA ahead in the tie.